Pupils be will delayed moving into their new multi-million pound school in Tonyrefail due to the extreme winter weather.

The Tonyrefail 3 - 19 school plans to welcome primary school pupils this summer, but after a series of delays secondary school pupils will move to the site in March 2019.

Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council said pressures caused by the severe winter weather earlier this year and “unforeseen complex and sensitive issues” in relation to the restoration of the listed building caused the delays.

New buildings for primary and secondary school pupils are being built, and the existing Grade-II listed Victorian building is being remodelled.

The scheme is part of a county-wide programme (Image: Rhondda Cynon Taf Council)

The current arrangements for secondary age pupils will now remain in place this September, with pupils moving into the renovated listed building in spring.

The project will see Tonyrefail Comprehensive and Tonyrefail Primary become a 3-19 school on the current secondary site, and is part of a £44m council investment in education and leisure across Tonyrefail.

RCT Council cabinet member for education and lifelong learning councillor Joy Rosser said: “The secondary element – due to the complexity and sensitivity of undertaking work on a listed building combined with the inclement weather – is now set for completion in spring 2019.

“This does, however, provide an opportunity for staff and pupils of the primary element to settle in their new surroundings, before the secondary element joins them on site six months later.

“The council is committed to ensuring the secondary age pupils – and in particular those in key examination years – face no disruption to their studies.

“The 3-19 ‘all through’ school will still be established at the start of the 2018/19 academic year, and provides an exciting long-term future for education in the area.”

Work on the primary buildings is progressing well (Image: Rhondda Cynon Taf Council)

Specialist commissions were required for the listed building over a number of bespoke building materials.

The council said they have worked closely with Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, to resolve the issues.

The primary building will be completed on time during mid-June. The school will receive new furniture and be set up in July and August with curriculum materials from the current primary school.